Whether it's performed by a Henrico cosmetic dentist to improve your smile or in an emergency to remove an infected tooth, a tooth extraction is a serious dental procedure that requires some self-care on your part. This means knowing which foods are safe to eat and which ones to avoid. Your Short Pump family dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after the extraction. However, here's a basic rundown on what is safe to eat while your mouth heals.
The First Two Days
Your mouth will likely be sore immediately after your tooth extraction, so it's best to avoid eating anything too crunchy or difficult to chew. Instead, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, Jell-O, pudding, and ice cream are all safe to eat. Soup is also usually safe as long as it isn't too hot.
We should also note that while milkshakes are generally safe to eat, straws should be avoided. The suction from the straw could dislodge the blood clot in the socket where your extracted tooth was. This can cause dry socket, a painful condition that leaves nerves and bone exposed and slows down the healing process.
Between Two and Five Days After Your Extraction
After two days, you should be able to handle foods that require minimal chewing, such as bread, noodles, eggs, and cheese. Use your best judgment and avoid eating something if it causes too much pain or discomfort. Start with the softer foods you've been eating, and slowly work your way up to foods that require more chewing.
After Five Days
After five days, you should be able to eat most of the foods you enjoyed before your tooth extraction. Again, don't push yourself too hard. If you don't feel comfortable eating certain foods or if you don't feel like you're healing as quickly as you should, stick to softer foods for a while. Follow your dentist's advice on what to eat, and don't hesitate to schedule an appointment if you experience any problems.
Foods to Avoid
Crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and apples, should be avoided for a few days after a tooth extraction. Not only do they require more pressure than your healing mouth can handle, but pieces of them can get into your incision and cause serious problems. Nuts and popcorn should also be avoided for the same reasons.
Acidic foods such as oranges and lemons should also be avoided. They may not do as much damage to the incision site as crunchy foods, but they can still cause considerable pain and disrupt the healing process. Basically, it's like spilling lemon juice on a paper cut, except the cut is in your mouth.
Finally, avoid sticky and chewy foods, such as candy and gum, for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction. These can remove your stitches before they're ready to come out or dislodge the blood clot protecting the incision.
Call Short Pump Dentistry for Assistance
Whether you're experiencing complications from a recent tooth extraction or you need to see a Henrico cosmetic dentist for other reasons, Short Pump Dentistry will be happy to assist you. We serve residents in Henrico, VA, and the surrounding areas, and we are dedicated to compassionate dental care of all kinds. To learn more about how a Short Pump family dentist can help you, visit our office in Henrico today.